This book is a critical analysis of potential Arab Islamic anti-Americanism in Saudi Arabia.
The significance of the Gulf War of 1990 1991 and the resulting stationing of US troops inside
the Saudi kingdom for the Arab Islamic anti-Americanism will be analyzed. Hereby this project
seeks to investigate whether the reactions to the American presence in Saudi Arabia and the
broader Arab Islamic region are of anti-American nature or whether they reveal other
proprieties. With the help of various Arabic and American sources the research question is
approached and compared from both sides. The inclusion of Arabic sources of Saudi opposition
leaders allows this book to examine which leitmotifs dominate the discourse on American
soldiers in Saudi Arabia. Overall four main reactions are identified and discussed with the
means of a qualitative analysis: Foreigners and disbelievers in Saudi Arabia opposition to the
Saudi royal family an exploitation of anti-Americanism and a liberal movement. The resulting
main themes lead to this book s thesis: an anti-American characterization of the reactions to
the American troop presence during the Gulf War is a questionable simplification of the
situation.
